Cleaning the house while the children are growing

is like shoveling snow while it's still snowing.

- Erma Bombeck

Some Things About Me:

Hi! My name is Jennifer Williams, and I teach a severe/profound special needs preschool class at Rock Springs Elementary. (Now, everyone say, "Hi Jennifer." ..... Sorry, the sentence just sounded like something you'd hear at an AA meeting.) I love so many things about my job:

I love witnessing the baby steps my kiddos make - what a great thing it is to see the kids finally get something that we've been working so hard on. I love to see that smile they get when they finally are able to do something on their own.
I love the cuddles, smiles, hand squeezes, etc. I get from the kids. Those things that let you know that they know you and love you even if they can't say it.
I love the awesome people I work with - my AMAZING parapro, all the wonderful therapists who help me (and the kids) and teach me (and the kids) so much, the people in the school who talk to my kids and truly do enjoy seeing them and talking to them, the great administration team who trusts us to know what we're doing, and the other teachers who help me when I need help with one thing or another.
I love the easy flowing "schedule" I have. I am so glad that for the most part our day flows depending on the needs of the children and not a specific time line. For the most part, we can be ahead of schedule or way behind schedule, and it's ok.
I love the amazing parents who I work with. Those parents who ended up in Holland even though they thought they were going to Italy. I love that (for the most part) they truly believe that I do what I do because I love the kids and that I do want what's best for them.

Random Things I Like:

Reading those silly getting to know your friends type quizzes. I find the random facts and the way people answers the questions interesting.
When I can sit down and read and relax knowing that there's really nothing else I need to do - no dishes to wash, no laundry to clean or fold, no messes to clean up,.... This RARELY happens. (See title of this page.... one of my favorite quotes!)
When the girls are playing together nicely!
Vacationing with family and friends -- the more, the merrier!
Seeing the world through the girls' eyes. (One of my favorite things at Disney!)
Chocolate (Ice cream, cake, brownies, frosting, chocolate covered strawberries, but NOT with raspberries!)
Running -- it is my "me" time. Of course, this usually means it's way early in the morning too. It also allows me to eat foods I love that aren't so good for me :)
Sarcasm

Burning Question:

Why do I feel like I have less time to do things during the summer? Shouldn't I have MORE time?